Effort ECG

What is it?

It is a structured exercise test performed on a treadmill according to a specific protocol. It is based on the interpretation of continuous electrocardiogram recordings obtained from electrodes attached to the chest during exercise. The exercise, the patient's walking time, and the target heart rate are adjusted based on the patient's age.

The test takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the patient's age and physical condition.

When is it used?

This test examines how the heart works under stress. It is used to study blockages in blood vessels that do not cause symptoms during normal daily activities.

The strain on the heart heightens due to increased heart rate and exercise. Sufficient coronary blood flow at a resting state becomes inadequate at this time, and the heart muscle shows signs of insufficiency on the ECG. These signs sometimes take the form of cardiac anomalies and sometimes cardiac rhythm disturbances

How is the procedure carried out?

Electrodes are placed on the front chest wall while on the treadmill, just as in an electrocardiogram. Then the patient is asked to run to ensure a certain level of exercise. The electrocardiogram results of the running patient are recorded.

Even when interpreted by a doctor, exercise electrocardiograms have an 80% accuracy rate for detecting serious cardiovascular disease.